Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of high-dose dexamethasone-based regiments in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients with renal impairment.
Methods: The clinical data of 22 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients with renal impairment who received high-dose dexamethasone-based regiments from August 2006 to August 2008 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital were retrospectively reviewed.
Results: After receiving a median 4 cycles of high-dose dexamethasone-based regiments, renal impairment was reversed in 7 patients (31.8%) with a median time to reversal of 31 days. Sixteen patients (72.7%) achieved overall response, including 7 patients (31.8%) had complete remission / near complete remission. The grade 3 or 4 adverse events included neutropenia (13.6%), infections (22.7%), peripheral neuropathy (9.1%), and ileus (4.5%).
Conclusion: The high-dose dexamethasone-based regiments are safe and effective for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients with renal impairment.